Introduction
In recent years, video games have taken over the entertainment industry, becoming a multi-billion dollar market. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which game is truly the most popular. In this article, we will explore the top contenders for the title of “most popular video game in the world” for 2017 and analyze their popularity based on various factors such as sales, user engagement, and critical acclaim.
The Runner-Ups: Call of Duty and Fortnite
Before we dive into the top contenders, it’s important to acknowledge the games that came close to taking the crown. Both Call of Duty and Fortnite were extremely successful in 2017, with millions of players worldwide. Call of Duty has been a staple in the gaming industry for decades, with its latest installment, Call of Duty: WWII, releasing in November 2017. Fortnite, on the other hand, is a newer game that gained massive popularity through its battle royale mode and frequent updates.
The Top Contenders: Minecraft and League of Legends
Minecraft and League of Legends are widely regarded as two of the most popular video games in the world. Minecraft, created by Markus Persson in 2009, is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds. The game has sold over 140 million copies worldwide and continues to be updated with new content and features. League of Legends, developed by Riot Games, is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that was released in 2009. The game has over 100 million active players and is regularly updated with new champions and game modes.
Sales and User Engagement: A Closer Look
To determine which of these two games is truly the most popular, we need to look at both sales and user engagement. While Minecraft has sold more copies than League of Legends, it’s important to consider how often players are returning to the game. According to a survey by Statista, in 2017, Minecraft had an average monthly active player count of around 56 million, while League of Legends had an average monthly active player count of around 78 million. This suggests that League of Legends may have had slightly more engaged players throughout the year.
Critical Acclaim: A Factor to Consider
While sales and user engagement are important factors to consider, critical acclaim is also a crucial component in determining the most popular game. Both Minecraft and League of Legends have received widespread praise from critics and gamers alike. Minecraft has been praised for its creativity and endless possibilities, while League of Legends has been praised for its balance of strategy and action. However, it’s important to note that critical acclaim alone may not be enough to determine the most popular game, as there are many other factors to consider.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Popularity
To gain a better understanding of how these games have impacted real-life communities, let’s look at some case studies. In 2017, Minecraft was used to raise awareness about mental health issues in the gaming community. The game’s creators partnered with various mental health organizations to create a special map that raised funds and awareness for these issues. This partnership highlights how Minecraft has been able to use its popularity to make a positive impact on society.
